We love a bit of self-care and all this time at home has really given us an excuse to look after ourselves inside and out. Each week, we'll be asking the celeb lot to share their Sunday self-care routines, because taking care of yourself is more important than ever.
This week it's all about Connor Ball, The Vamps star who's traded in bass guitars for ice skates as he competes in this year's Dancing on Ice with pro dancer Alexandra Schauman.
Despite "never dancing a day in his life" and by his own admission, being "very accident-prone", we are fully in awe of his moves on the ice. A highlight of our Sunday evening, since you asked.
However, last weekend, the singer cut his chin during a last-minute rehearsal, just moments before he was due to open the show. Like a champ, he still managed to continue and score an impressive score of 33 out of 40.
"You can see on my chin it's not too bad now [Connor shows us during our Zoom chat], but I had five stitches because I split my chin and it was bleeding everywhere. I also didn't realise at the time, I dislocated my shoulder as well, because of the adrenaline. They actually popped it back in just before we did our routine."
As they say, the show must go on!
Connor Ball has just been announced as co-owner of LDN UTD - the esports organisation that unites gaming and social issues.
Having struggled with mental health himself, this career move is a personal one bringing together his passion for gaming with doing good.
Connor chats exclusively to heat about self-care routines, book recommendations and exactly how he gets ready for Dancing on Ice...
On Dancing On Ice prep
So what prep is actually involved for a live national telly show? Does Connor spend his whole Sunday afternoon in make-up?
"I think there are a lot of people who sit in the chair for longer but I don't have much make-up. There's always lots of fittings and going back and forth for ideas for the costume. I've not had anything too crazy, but obviously the other night I had to get my shirt changed as there was blood all over it.
"There's a big make-up room with everyone doing their different thing and talking with the make-up artists about what they want and what they think will look good. Then there will be a dress rehearsal, where you'll do a whole run of the show with all your gear on and make sure that's all working. They also stitch your microphones into the outfits so they are hidden.
"The show is sponsored by Estee Lauder so they sent us loads of skincare products to use. I love the cleansers and moisturisers. Luckily the show also does spray tans as well and I've never had a spray tan before. Now I want a tan every week."
What time are contestants expected to come into the studio on a Sunday if the show starts at 6:30pm?
"I always push for a lie-in, you can get there from half seven [am], but the earliest I've been there has been around half eight. The later we can go in the better as I like my sleep."
That's exactly our motto. Do the contestants have any wild afterparties or post-show rituals?
"It's cool because some of us are staying in the same hotel and every week I've had family here. So they came and chilled after. The thing we've been doing after is having a Jägerbomb. That's been our celebratory drinks together. But it's not too crazy because of COVID. We're all worried that if we get COVID, we can't be in the show. So everyone is being careful, which is good."
Corr, we bet Con needed at least three Jägerbombs after last week's injury...
On self-care
Connor shares how his main day off in the week is a Tuesday and is currently rehearsing for the show for three hours each day. So how does Connor spend a self-care... er, Tuesday?
"I love going to the gym. I know that's technically not resting but just for my mental health, The gym kind of takes me out of my day and I don't need to worry about stuff. Magnesium bath salts are amazing, especially after ice skating. It's not a good idea the day before a show because it makes you all floppy, but it's really good for recharging.
"I like doing my skin routine as well as a good face mask [Connor loves Garnier's Moisture Bomb Sheet Mask, a classic]. I like going for a run occasionally. Occasionally being the keyword."
On having the best hair in showbiz
"First of all, I don't like to wash it every day otherwise it becomes too soft. It needs to have a bit of shape. I always start with the Schwarzkopf got2b Powder'ful Powder which gives it a bit of volume. Then I use Harry's who do a really good Texturizing Putty and it gives your hair a really good hold. Then I finish with hairspray, it has to be this one TRESemmé hairspray. None of the others works for me. It's the Freeze Hold, basically, the most hold you can get.
On podcasts
Turns out that Connor doesn't listen to podcasts anymore because they are TOO dangerous.
"So, this is a weird story, but I was really into podcasts. I listened to this one about songwriting and it was really good. But it was when I was driving and I came back from a gig one day and you know when you listen to someone's voice, and it kind of gets you into the zone and you get a bit sleepy? I actually fell asleep at the wheel and had a car crash. Yeah, so since then, I've not really listened to podcasts."
We don't blame you.
On book recommendations
"I love Matt Haig, he is amazing. He's writtenNotes On A Nervous Planetand a couple of others which are really good. He talks a lot about mental health and how to take care of yourself which I'm a big fan of."
On bad days
From cancelled plans to missing your train, we all have bad days from time to time. How does Connor pep himself back up when things are going wrong?
"I'm very much on the thought of, 'if you can't control it, just don't worry about it'. I can't do anything. If I've missed my train, you just have to get the next one and do something in the meantime. I hate wasting time, so I'll do something that's productive whilst I wait.. Whether it's emails or something to do with work or whatever. That gets me in the right zone.
"I think distractions, in general, are really good. I've used gaming for escapism for years, I've met some of my best friends on there. I don't sit on there for 12 hours a day or anything like that, but I think it's great for getting away from something."
Quickfire round:
What show are you currently watching? Stay Close on Netflix.
How do you like your cuppa? Drinks shouldn't be hot, they should always be in the fridge!
Go-to loungewear brand? I like Gymshark or this brand called Talentless.
Favourite face mask? The Garnier Moisture Bomb Sheet Mask .
Go-to takeaway order? Dominoes every time. I always get chicken bacon, sweetcorn and peppers. It has to be thin and crispy.
Favourite candle? It's a rock hand candle which my girlfriend's mum gave me. It looks sick and I don't want to burn it as I don't want to burn down the fingers.
Now! More news!
TikTok's Holly Brooks talks keeping organised, Shreddy and her holy grail £7 foundation
Denise Van Outen talks great advice, The Secret and her favourite £9 eyeliner 'that lasts all day'
Meggan Grubb talks skincare routines, vision boards and her go-to £14.99 face tanner